Reclining Buddha found in Bamiyan

Archaeologists have discovered a 19-metre
(62-foot) Buddha statue along with scores of other historical
relics in central Afghanistan near the ruins of giant statues
destroyed by the Islamist Taliban.

The team was searching for a giant sleeping Buddha believed
to have been seen by a Chinese pilgrim centuries ago when it
came upon the relics in the central province of Bamiyan an
official said on Monday.

"In total, 89 relics such as coins, ceramics and a 19
meters statue have been unearthed," Mohammad Zia Afshar
adviser in the information and culture ministry, told Reuters.

He said the idol, in sleeping posture, was badly damaged.
The other relics dated back to the Bacterian era and from
Islamic and Buddhist civilizations.

Watch yourself, Jake. I dealt with the Bactrian camels in Parwan and Kapisa provinces. Big, Hairy and they have absolutely no sense of humor...

I am glad that they recovered these artifacts - Bamiyan has a very enlightened governor, and the New Zealanders run the Provincial Reconstruction Team out there. I think this site will be well cared for.